4.5
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22,502
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14
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Touring cycling around Marchmont And Sciennes offers access to Edinburgh's diverse urban and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by distinctive drumlin ridges, remnants of glacial deposits, and is buffered by significant green spaces like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links. Cyclists can explore a network of routes that integrate with Edinburgh's extensive cycling paths, including traffic-free options along historic waterways and railways. The region provides a variety of experiences, from leisurely urban rides to more challenging routes connecting to broader…
Last updated: October 28, 2026
63
riders
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
30
riders
10.8km
00:42
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.

19
riders
12.4km
00:47
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
8
riders
15.2km
00:57
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
12
riders
8.26km
00:31
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier from 19th century Edinburgh. He became famous because, according to legend, he guarded the grave of his owner in Greyfriars Kirkyard for fourteen years. Bobby himself died on January 14, 1872. The story is still very well known in Scotland. Books and films have been made about it, and a statue of Greyfriars Bobby is a popular attraction in Edinburgh. (Wikipedia)
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Art market in a former church
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I recommend an early morning run before the city has started its daily activities.
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Clothes shop from Scotland. Celtic. Pictish. Made in Scotland. Ethical. Sustainable.
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The legend of Bobby touched the heart of Baroness Angelia Georgina Burdett-Coutts. She was the daughter of banker Thomas Coutts (of Coutts Bank fame) and inherited £1.8 million on the death of her grandfather, making her one of the richest women in England. Burdett-Coutts spent much of her fortune on philanthropic causes. She co-designed Urania Cottage for the "fallen young women" with Charles Dickens and became a pioneer of social housing. The Baroness obtained permission from Edinburgh Council to erect a statue of Bobby at the junction of Candlemakers Row and George IV Bridge, just outside Greyfriars Kirkyard. Artist William Brodie was commissioned to create the statue in 1872. Since its unveiling, the statue of Bobby has become a major Edinburgh landmark. https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/blog/the-true-story-of-greyfriars-bobby/
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The legend of Bobby is that it belonged to a man called John Grey, a night watchman in Edinburgh who patrolled the Old Town every night with his dog for company. When John Grey died, he was buried in Greyfriars Cemetery, and the story goes that his dog Bobby spent every night for the next 14 years sleeping on his master’s grave. https://www.edinburghexpert.com/blog/edinburghs-local-heroes-greyfriars-bobby
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There are over 850 touring cycling routes in Marchmont And Sciennes, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.
Yes, Marchmont And Sciennes offers numerous easy touring cycling routes. For a relaxed experience, consider the Fisherrow Harbour – The Innocent Railway loop from Edinburgh, which is an easy 12.3-mile path following a flat, traffic-free historic railway line. Another easy option is the Slateford Aqueduct – Leamington Lift Bridge loop from Edinburgh, an 8-mile route along the Union Canal Towpath.
The area's unique geology, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glaciation, means you'll encounter distinctive landscapes. You can find routes that offer views of significant landforms like Arthur's Seat and Corstorphine Hill Tower. The routes also pass through central green spaces such as The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, and along historic waterways like the Union Canal.
For those seeking a more challenging ride, Marchmont And Sciennes provides routes with greater elevation. A difficult option is the Buckstone Snab Summit – Gravel Track Through Woodlands loop from Southside, a 11.4-mile route with significant elevation gain, offering a more strenuous experience through woodlands.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Marchmont And Sciennes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Greyfriars Bobby Statue – The Meadows loop from Southside, a 7.4-mile moderate trail, and the Bilston Glen Bridge – Rosslyn Chapel loop from Southside, a 15.1-mile route through varied terrain.
While touring cycling is possible year-round, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather conditions for exploring Marchmont And Sciennes. During these seasons, you can expect longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, making for more comfortable rides.
Yes, Marchmont And Sciennes serves as a gateway to more extensive touring. Edinburgh is a starting point for routes like the 'Edinburgh to Hartington via Dalkeith Park,' a 44.7-mile route with varied terrain. The city also connects to the 'Coast and Castles South' route, a long-distance option linking Newcastle to Edinburgh, offering spectacular views of the Firth of Forth.
The touring cycling routes in Marchmont And Sciennes are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 1,500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the accessibility of green spaces, the variety of urban and traffic-free paths like the Union Canal Towpath and the Innocent Railway Path, and the scenic views of Edinburgh's unique glacially-formed landscapes.
Marchmont And Sciennes benefits from its integration into Edinburgh's transport network. Many routes are accessible from central Edinburgh, which has extensive public transport options including buses and trains. This makes it convenient to reach starting points for various cycling adventures.
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can find routes that pass near historical sites such as Holyrood Palace and Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo. The Bilston Glen Bridge – Rosslyn Chapel loop from Southside, for instance, leads through varied terrain and historic sites, including the famous Rosslyn Chapel.
The terrain varies significantly, from flat, traffic-free paths along historic waterways and railways, such as the Union Canal Towpath and the Innocent Railway Path, to more undulating routes that traverse the distinctive drumlin ridges and glacially-formed landscapes surrounding Edinburgh. You'll find a mix of urban cycling, parkland paths, and some routes with more challenging ascents.


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